A 63-year-old Walt Disney World employee was killed Friday when a bus taking tourists from Orlando International Airport to Disney resorts hit the rear of her car, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The 1996 Buick stopped in the left lane on Epcot Center Drive about 3:25 p.m., and the westbound bus was unable to stop in time to avoid hitting it, troopers said.

Three dozen people were on the Disney's Magical Express bus, which is operated by Mears Transportation Group, said Sgt. Kim Montes, a Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman.

Two bus passengers were taken to Florida Hospital Celebration Health with minor injuries.

The driver of the Buick, Solange Blain, was pronounced dead at the same hospital. A Disney spokeswoman said she was a company "cast member" at one of the company's resorts.

The bus driver, David Lee Morales, 33, of Gotha was not hurt.

The crash happened under clear skies at Overpass Road near Epcot theme park.

Investigators interviewed passengers on the bus and drivers who witnessed the crash and will examine the Buick to see whether there was a mechanical problem that caused the driver to stop, Montes said. They'll also try to determine how fast the bus was going.

There's a crest in the road near where the accident happened, and it's possible that the bus driver may not have seen the car until the last moment, she said.

"He applied his brakes," Montes said. "He just couldn't stop."

The road was closed for several hours while troopers investigated.

Disney issued a statement: "We are saddened by today's tragic accident and offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the driver who passed away."

Mears also issued a statement: "Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of the individual who tragically lost their life in this accident. We are cooperating fully with FHP [Florida Highway Patrol]."